Jackson police announced a second arrest and a manhunt for a third suspect in the hanging death of Tasia Fortune.
Story Snapshot
- Police arrested a second suspect and charged him in Fortune’s killing.
- Officers said a third suspect is wanted; marshals are helping find the person.
- The first suspect remains jailed without bond after pleading not guilty.
- Officials said the case is active and more arrests could follow.
Police Announce Second Arrest And Active Manhunt
Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney said officers arrested a second person tied to the death of 29-year-old Tasia Fortune and charged him in the killing. Local reports identified the person as Earnest Lloyd Jr., who faces a murder charge, though his age was reported differently by outlets. Police also said they secured an arrest warrant for a third suspect and asked the United States Marshals Service to help locate that person. The department said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Police said the warrant for the third suspect has been turned over for service, but they declined to release the name. Leaders said holding the name could give officers more time to safely find the person before an alert goes public. Reporters at the briefing were told more details would come with future filings. That means the public will likely learn the third suspect’s identity when the warrant is served or the booking is complete.
What We Know About The Suspects And Charges
Reporters named the second arrestee as Earnest Lloyd Jr. and stated he is charged with murder in Fortune’s death. A local television station also reported the same charge, while quoting the chief’s statement about taking another person into custody for homicide. Some outlets listed Lloyd’s age as 21, while others said 25, which will be clarified by official jail records when posted. Police said investigators will follow the evidence, and more arrests could come.
Police previously arrested Jarques Ratliff on a murder charge tied to the same case. Reports said Ratliff pleaded not guilty and remains jailed without bond while the case moves forward. Police found Fortune on August 3 behind a vacant home in Jackson. The second arrest was announced on September 22, marking a key step as detectives build the case and seek the third person named in the new warrant.
Why This Case Draws Intense Public Attention
Fortune’s death gained national attention because she was found hanging from a tree, which evokes a painful history in the South. Police said state medical examiners ruled the case a homicide, which led to the first arrest and the wider search for more suspects. In high-profile deaths, the public often hears updates from police and wire services before court records and medical reports become public, which can leave gaps early on.
People across the political spectrum worry when basic facts trickle out slowly. They want swift justice and open records, not delays and confusion. This case shows both the urgency and the hurdles. Officers announced concrete steps: a second arrest, a third suspect wanted, and help from federal marshals. At the same time, some details remain sealed until service and booking occur. That balance aims to protect the search while still keeping the public informed.
Sources:
washingtontimes.com, audacy.com, rmb.reuters.com, abcnews.com, cnn.com
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